Vietnam: residency, citizenship and cost of living
Paths checked against sources: 2026-10
Path to citizenship
Vietnam grants permanent residence to only four groups: family members of citizens (after 3 years of continuous temporary residence), scientists and experts nominated by a minister, holders of state awards, and stateless people living there since 2000. An ordinary work-permit holder is not eligible for permanent residence and therefore has no path to citizenship — Vietnam is a place for long-term residence, not citizenship, for them. Previous citizenship must usually be given up; dual citizenship only with the President's approval. The 2025 law gives exceptional professionals and investors special exemptions — decided case by case.
- • 5 years of permanent residence, Vietnamese language, self-sufficiency
- • Spouse or parent of a Vietnamese citizen — no 5-year period, language or proof of means
Citizenship application processing, years: 0.25–1.
Check your own pathMonthly budget
Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026. Deposits, furniture and the move itself are not included.
| City | Single | Family 2+2 |
|---|---|---|
| Ho Chi Minh City | ₫19,700,000≈ €683 | ₫46,400,000≈ €1,610 |
| Hanoi | ₫20,500,000≈ €712 | ₫48,900,000≈ €1,700 |
| Da Nang | ₫17,000,000≈ €590 | ₫42,900,000≈ €1,490 |
Country scores (out of 100)
- Safety76
- Earning potential42
- Healthcare51
- Path to citizenship0
- Schools and education58
- Environment21
- Warm, sunny climate93
Frequently asked questions
How do you get citizenship in Vietnam, and how long does it take?
5 years of permanent residence, Vietnamese language, self-sufficiency; spouse or parent of a Vietnamese citizen — no 5-year period, language or proof of means. Processing takes 0.25–1 years. The questionnaire shows the timeline for your situation.
How do you get residency in Vietnam?
The main routes we cover: Work permit and temporary residence; Investor residence; Residence as a citizen's family member. The questionnaire shows which fit you and where they lead next.
How much does it cost to live in Vietnam per month?
Per month, one person / family of four: Ho Chi Minh City ≈ ₫19,700,000 / ₫46,400,000; Hanoi ≈ ₫20,500,000 / ₫48,900,000; Da Nang ≈ ₫17,000,000 / ₫42,900,000. Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026.
How much is rent in Vietnam?
A home for one person, from modest to comfortable: Ho Chi Minh City ₫12,800,000–₫19,400,000; Hanoi ₫13,000,000–₫17,000,000; Da Nang ₫10,200,000–₫14,000,000.
How up to date is this data?
Paths to citizenship checked against sources: 10.2026; budget as of 10.2026. Sources are listed on this page; rules change, so check official sites before deciding.
Sources
This is not legal advice. Rules change — check official sources before deciding.